Fueling Your Creativity in Freelancing

So you’ve got a project due in a couple of days and you can’t seem to get started. Here are some super easy hacks that are sure to get those creative juices flowing.

Doodle

You don’t have to be an artist to get your creativity up and running. Research shows that doodling helps you stay engaged and activates neurological pathways, so you ease better into cultivating new ideas. Try sketching the most random things just for fun. Some of the brightest minds who were known to doodle include Steve Jobs and Henry Ford.

Speaking of doodling, have you tried the 30 Circles Test? Try drawing thirty circles and turn them into anything you can think of--a moon, a cake, etc.. Most people have a hard time adapting all thirty circles into objects. And while you try to do so, you improve your mind’s ability to develop concepts and connect them, such as you do in a mind map.

Improve Your Workspace/Environment

Your workspace greatly affects your mood and cognitive process. Some research indicates that certain colors and hues boost productivity, happiness, and imagination. Yellow for example, induces optimism, while greens, emeralds, and jades help cultivate creative thinking. Some people just like the aesthetics too. A little burst of color can lighten the mood and add an element of fun.

In this regard, it also helps putting toys, decor, and small plants on your desk. While toys are an amusement, it also allows you to make use of your hands (especially in building and assembling, or even simple movement), jolting your brain into function. Read more about creating productive workplaces.

Take a Break

Physical movement such as walking around helps you gain different perspectives and solve problems through various approaches. It also helps you get off autopilot and the usual routine you get stuck in. Theater actors are often recommended to deliver their lines in various body positions to develop new acting styles. Who knows, a breath of fresh air is all you need, or taking in a new view might give you inspiration for your new project.

Stretching your legs isn’t the only break that can help you craft new ideas. You also need ample rest--and that means proper sleep. Sleep improves cognitive function and gives you a fresh and renewed mind to continue working on a project.

Pomodoro Technique

Harness your creativity by working in cycles. The Pomodoro Technique is a time management system that involves setting work times to 25 minutes. This allows you to focus on your work, and take a proper break right after, which you may also time.

The great thing about this system is being able to set quick and precise deadlines to meet your goals. It also makes you more efficient, so you work faster and free up more time for yourself.

Try these simple hacks to start getting more creative with your work. Now when you’re stuck in a rut, you know what to do. Happy freelancing!